Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

PITTSBURGH -- Mayor Luke Ravenstahl introduced legislation that could change the way the city hires employees after a Pittsburgh police officer was fired for allegedly slapping his ex-girlfriend.

The introduction of the ordinance came after Pittsburgh Police Sgt. Eugene Hlavac Jr. was fired following an internal investigation into his Dec. 19 arrest in which he was charged with aggravated assault.

Ravenstahl issued the following statement after Hlavac was fired:

"Our zero-tolerance domestic abuse policy has worked to protect the public from those who are placed in positions of trust, and abuse that trust. Most all of our city employees do great work on behalf of the residents, and it is a shame that the actions of a few affect the good work of the whole."

Ravenstahl introduced a city ordinance last Friday that expands his zero-tolerance domestic abuse policy to all city employees.

The legislation, which would prevent anyone with a history of abuse from being hired by the city, was reviewed by City Council on Tuesday.

Hlavac, 42, was accused of dislocating the woman's jaw because she didn't pick up their son on time, making him late for work.

Phillip DiLucente, Hlavac's attorney, denies the charges against his client and said the officer was attacked and merely defending himself.

Hlavac was ordered to stand trial on the charge but a court date has not yet been set.